Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta Update
Nothing OS 4.0 open beta is here for select Nothing phones. This update runs on Android 16. If you own a Nothing Phone 3, Phone 2, Phone 2a, or Phone 2a Plus, you can try it now. Phone 3a and 3a Pro are not included yet. They might get the update later in October.
The main highlight is the push into AI features. Phone 3 brings a new AI usage dashboard inside something called Essential Space. This dashboard lets people see what big AI models are doing on their phone. There are general improvements too. Lock screen and always-on display work smoother. Bluetooth and WiFi stability is better now. Camera has fewer hiccups and overall speed feels more stable.
All supported phones get a fresh system look. Animations feel more fluid. The lock screen lets people add and customize widgets or pick new clock faces. The quick settings menu is easier to use with larger tiles and sharper icons. There’s also an extra dark mode for less eye strain and lower power draw.
A creative camera addition comes with the new Stretch preset. It gives photos darker shadows, brighter highlights, and a more dramatic style. This came from a collab with photographer Jordan Hemingway. Phone 2, Phone 2a, and Phone 2a Plus get this right away. People who love photography might notice the change as soon as they shoot and share.
App optimization is another focus. The update changes how apps start up and run. Now, apps launch faster and background tasks run with less lag. That helps save resources and makes switching between apps snappier. The new pop-up view supports two floating app icons. Swipe up to minimize a window, swipe down to go back full screen. It helps multitasking on the fly.
Nothing OS 4.0 makes a big deal out of Essential Apps. These are AI-powered widgets people create and share in Playground. Phone 3 lets people use up to six widgets while the other phones support two for now. The company says it will add more support as the system matures.
Device eligibility for this open beta is locked to the latest models. Phone 3, Phone 2, Phone 2a, and Phone 2a Plus can enroll now. To join, you need the Beta Updates Hub app from Nothing. Download and install it. Then open Settings, hit System, open Nothing Beta Hub, and pick Join Beta. A notification tells you when the beta is ready to install. The window to join ends soon, so don’t wait if you want to try it early.
Remember this is an open beta. It might have bugs or issues. Beta updates are for people comfortable with testing and giving feedback. The company wants input to iron out problems before a stable launch. If your phone is your main device, think before joining. No one wants an unstable update to mess up daily use.
Nothing says Phone 3a and 3a Pro will get access later. For now, focus remains on flagship and top mid-range models. Updates add AI tools, new camera tricks, smoother design, and improved handling across the main Nothing line. The look and feel aims to be a little different—without big risks.
How to Install the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta?
To install the Open Beta for Nothing OS 4.0, follow these steps:
Backup Your Data: Make sure all important files are backed up before you start the update process to avoid data loss.
Enroll in the Beta:
- Go to Settings > About phone > System updates.
- Look for the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta option (if available).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enroll in the beta program.
Download the Update: Once you've enrolled, you'll receive a notification when the beta is ready to download. Tap the notification to start downloading.
Install the Update: After the download finishes, tap Install. Your phone will reboot and the installation will begin. Make sure your phone has enough battery for the installation process.
Explore Features: After the installation is complete, you can explore the new interface, customization options, and system improvements included in the beta version.
